Day one of the Masters is in the books, and the youth movement is in full effect. After a storming first round, 21 year old Rory McIlroy shares the lead posting a seven under 65. The rest of the field might consider themselves lucky, as the lad from Northern Ireland missed a few make-able birdie putts on the back nine. He’s not alone at the top, however. Spaniard Alvaro Quiros played a magnificent round, accented by a birdie on 18 to grab a share of the lead.
Tiger Woods (-1) and Phil Mickelson (-2) had their share of ups and downs, with Lefty in particular spending a bit of time in the azaleas. Tiger looked more comfortable and relaxed than he has in some time, no doubt enjoying the familiar comforts of a course he’s had enormous success on.
Notable first round struggles included Dustin Johnson (2, great pick!), Vijay Singh (4), and Padraig Harrington (+5). Plenty of golf left to play, but if Rory and Alvaro turn in another day like today, we could be looking at a cut around even.
The greens caused more than a few problems today and the curses and prayers were heard in equal measure at Amen Corner. Assuming the weather holds, we’re in for a spectacular weekend of golf at Augusta National.